New houses are to be built at Gizo Hospital in Solomon Islands Western Province with funding from the Australian Government.

The new houses will replace those swept away in last year's tsunami.

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Derek Sikua, and the Australian High Commissioner, Peter Hooton, turned the first sod at the building site in Gizo today.

Mr Hooton says local contractors had been identified and would commence work immediately.

Brian promotion Brian Atwood Brian promotion Heels Heels promotion Atwood Boutique Boutique Boutique The first six houses are due to be completed within 5 months; with another six complete by December.